The Tycoon's Socialite Bride (Entangled Indulgence) by Tracey Livesay Page A

gather her up and include her in its tide.
    A Thursday afternoon at the baseball park wasn’t a usual entry on her social calendar. But when Marcus invited her to Pearson Enterprises’ employee appreciation day, she jumped at the chance to take a break away from their engagement scheme. Things had been tense since their argument at the shelter the weekend before. She’d thought he would love the idea of getting married at the Holcombe, but for some unexplainable reason, he’d gotten angry. Their brief truce now ended, they’d gone back to uneasiness. She didn’t know how long they would be married, but she didn’t plan on spending the time in simmering agitation. Today, they would get back on track.
    In a platonic way, of course.
    There would be no more kisses. A peck or two for show, but no more of the bone-melting embraces like the one at the St. Regis, or the hard, quick clinches that thrilled her down to her Jimmy Choo-clad toes. It would be madness to get involved with another man whose sole interest in her stemmed from her pedigree.
    Most of the employees were gathered in the Presidents Club, one of the ballpark’s exclusive seating areas, which Marcus had rented out for the game. A few energetic ones had taken the employees’ kids and some of the local kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington that Marcus had invited over to the jungle gym and batting cage in the Family Fun Area. He’d also reserved the lounge adjoining the club for private conversations or for anyone who needed a break from the boisterous group. Pamela had watched a couple of nursing mothers and sleeping toddlers take advantage of the peaceful alternative.
    “Miss Harrington? Marcus asked me to bring you this.”
    Pamela turned and saw a familiar pretty, petite blonde holding out a tall white plastic cup with the baseball team’s logo emblazoned in red on the front.
    “What is it?”
    “An iced chai latte.”
    Pamela smiled, losing the battle not to let the thoughtful gesture matter. He remembered. She took a sip, the cool liquid a refreshing shield against the city’s humid afternoon heat.
    “Thanks. And please, call me Pamela,” she said. “We met earlier. You’re Amanda, right?”
    “Yes, I work in Development.” The other woman leaned next to her on the railing, her foot resting on the bottom rung. “Are you enjoying the game?”
    “It’s been fun. I’m not a big sports fan, but the energy from the crowd is infectious.”
    “The Nats have a lot of love here in DC.” Amanda leaned forward, her voice a conspiratorial hush. “I’m a Giants fan, but I have to admit they are fun to watch.”
    “Giants? You’re from New York?”
    Amanda laughed. “No, you’re thinking football. I’m talking about the baseball team. San Francisco.”
    “That’s where Marcus is from. You came here with the company?”
    She nodded. “I’ve been with PE for eight years. I started in an entry-level position straight out of college. After a few years, they offered to pay for business school. I jumped at the opportunity.”
    “You’re a long way from home. You must miss your family.”
    “I do. We’re very close. That was the hardest part about making the decision to relocate out here.”
    “But it’s been worth it?”
    Amanda nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve learned so much working with Marcus. He’s a great mentor and he’s extremely hands-on with the projects he chooses.” She frowned. “Well, he used to be. Since moving here, he’s delegated a majority of those duties to me.”
    So he could devote all of his time and energy to the Holcombe? Why did that hotel engender an irrational longing in Marcus? Did its walls contain hidden treasure? Chests of jewels and gold coins? Secret historical documents?
    “Marcus wouldn’t have given you that responsibility if he had any concerns about your performance. He’s a bit of a control freak.”
    “He is, isn’t he?” Amusement laced Amanda’s words. “It’s been